Ambassador Marek Šafín visited the exhibition of Olga Rapai-Markish in Kyiv
On July 24, 2023, an important cultural event took place within the walls of the National Museum of Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art in Kyiv — the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to Ukraine, Marek Šafín, visited the exhibition of interior ceramic sculptures by Olga Rapai-Markish entitled “The Power of Roots”, which became the second part of the large-scale project “The Power of Fragility”.
The head of the exhibition, Oksana Tsyhanok, told the diplomat about the history of the collection — ceramic panels created for the Bratislava Hotel, which were considered lost after the change of ownership and the closure of the institution for reconstruction. The restoration team, working since 2022, has preserved and mounted these artistic images, in particular those that reflect Slovak motifs — harvest, traditional holidays, local patterns.
“I am amazed that such a cultural exhibition has arisen at such a difficult time… I am especially impressed by how Olga Rapaj, without having been to Slovakia, conveyed the everyday life, elements of clothing, traditional colors, as well as the mythology of the people.”
Ambassador Shafin’s visit became a symbol not only of cultural exchange, but also the result of friendship between the two states in various areas — from humanitarian aid to investments. This is not just a diplomatic step, but a concrete demonstration of artistic cooperation and mutual respect between Ukraine and Slovakia.
This event had a deeper meaning than just a diplomatic visit. It reminded us that culture is a bridge that continues to unite peoples even in the most difficult times. The restored ceramics of Olga Rapaj have acquired a new sound - not only as an art of the past, but as a living language of common traditions: in the patterns, motifs and images - Ukrainian and Slovak - a deep kinship is read, which can become the basis for new cultural projects and joint initiatives.
